Cullowhee, N.C. – Giving Tuesday, the national annual day of giving, is Tuesday, Dec. 2, and marks the culmination of a month-long fundraising effort geared this year towards raising funds for the Catamount Club's Unrestricted fund and the Excellence Endowment Funds that provide enhanced academic and extracurricular experiences for all students.
 
This year, WCU's Division of Advancement and the Catamount Club have a lofty but attainable goal of 1,500 donors, aiming to increase the club's annual membership and boost unrestricted funds to support athletics scholarships, thereby fueling the Catamount experience. Donor support for academic and athletic priorities creates the momentum that drives Western Carolina University forward.
 
Giving Tuesday began back in 2012 as a simple idea – a day that encourages people to do good – and has grown into a worldwide philanthropic phenomenon inspiring individuals to give back and reach out in kindness each year. The Tuesday following Thanksgiving encourages people to give back in whatever ways they can.
 
Make your gift today to support the Catamount Club's fundraising efforts, as every donation helps elevate Catamount Athletics in our mission to foster a championship culture while preparing the over 350 WCU student-athletes for lifelong success.
 
Several members of the WCU Foundation  Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Board of Directors are making challenge gifts, matching the contributions made by other donors to the Giving Tuesday effort. The challenge gifts currently stand at more than $30,500 in additional support for the university.
 
Giving Tuesday donations can be made at givingtuesday.wcu.edu or by contacting the WCU Division of Advancement or annualgiving@wcu.edu.
 
Looking ahead, WCU's advancement team and the Catamount Club take to the road across North Carolina the following week, Dec. 15-17, with the "Catamount Coaches Caravan." The three-stop tour begins at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., on Monday, Dec. 15, with a Queen City stop at Union at Station West in Charlotte on Tuesday, Nov. 16. The tour concludes on Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the Triad at 2520 Tavern in Winston-Salem / Clemmons. Each event begins at 6 p.m. CLICK HERE to register.
 
For more information about WCU's "Fill the Western Sky" campaign or to make a contribution, visit WesternSky.wcu.edu, call 227-7124 or email advancement@wcu.edu.